AHL President Talks Hartford Hockey

With two contracts expiring this summer, Hartford’s professional hockey future is uncertain.

The Rangers’ deal at the XL Center expires after this season. And AEG’s agreement to run the building is up in August.

The Capital Region Development Authority is deciding among three candidate to run the XL Center and Rentschler Field -- AEG Management CT LLC, Capital Region Sports and Entertainment Group and Global Spectrum. The choice could be announced this week, but it’s unclear how the decision will impact Hartford’s AHL presence.

AHL president Dave Andrews addressed the situation at his state of the league presentation during the All-Star break. Andrews said the Rangers have been unable to negotiate a new deal because there is no management company to negotiate with.

“It’s premature to try and suggest how that may play out,” Andrews said. “Obviously, in the interest of the league and of Hartford, ideally we will have the Rangers still there the Connecticut Whale still there as a team and a brand. We’re working on all of that.”

But, Andrews said, the Rangers have not been sitting idly while the CRDA ponders the bids.

“Any good leader of a professional sports team, if he’s not sure he’s going to be in a building the next year, is exploring other options and we’re working with [the Rangers] to see what those options might be,” Andrews said. “But hopefully they’ll be back in Hartford.”

AEG is currently running the Whale’s business operation. The Rangers own their AHL affiliate and would look for a market that make geographic sense.

The Rangers have been in Hartford since 1997, moving their AHL affiliate to the city after the Whalers moved to North Carolina.